Price
ON SALE
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Scotland's Great Glen Way walking trail stretches 75 miles from Fort William to the capital of the highlands, Inverness. Based on board a comfortable barge at night, this multi activity holiday incorporates hiking, cycling and canoeing in one of Scotlands most picturesque regions. The cruise offers the flexibility to walk, cycle or canoe sections of the route at an easy pace from one coast of Scotland to the other. The choice of how much activity to incorporate into the week long trip is up to you. The barge stops are planned to suit the active stages, breaking them into manageable walks, cycles and paddles. Guided by an experienced escort, who will point out places of interest along the way, there is no shortage of highlights. From impressive views of the mystical Loch Ness to glimpses of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, this relaxed pace active holiday will immerse you in the Scottish Highlands. In the evening, share stories of your day with like minded travellers and relish in the accomplishment of walking the breadth of Scotland.
Read 39 reviews
More info about grading system
101kg of CO2-e PP per day
(608kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Join the barge in Banavie, walk to Gairlochy
Boarding time is 14:00/2pm. After meeting the crew we begin our first cruise of the week, with excellent views of Ben Nevis, to Gairlochy where the barge will be berthed overnight. Walking, cycling and relaxing aboard are all excellent options this afternoon.
Meals: D
Day 2
Absorb the views of Loch Lochy as you make your way to Laggan Locks
Cruise to Bunarkaig Bay on Loch Lochy. Choose to relax on board or to walk or cycle this short section. After anchoring in the bay, the morning activities at Bunarkaig may include an opportunity to sail, canoe or explore, by foot or bike, the Clan Cameron estate. After lunch the barge will weigh anchor and motor up Loch Lochy towards Laggan locks at the north eastern end of the loch. Again you will have the opportunity to walk, cycle or relax on board. The barge will tie up alongside a pontoon at Laggan overnight.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Walk, cycle or canoe to Castle Bay
We make our way along the picturesque Laggan Avenue by foot, bike, canoe or barge. The barge will then anchor in the picturesque Castle Bay, Loch Oich, from where it can offer an afternoon of activities on or around the loch. These may include canoeing, sailing, walks ashore and cream teas. The barge will remain at anchor overnight.
Day 4
Choice of activities enroute to Fort Augustus
There is another chance to participate in a range of activities on Loch Oich before departing for Cullochy and Kytra locks for lunch. The afternoon route takes us towards Fort Augustus. This section can be walked, biked or cruised. An alternative walking option maybe offered that allows for fine views of Loch Ness. The barge will tie up at a pontoon at Fort Augustus overnight.
Day 5
Explore Fort Augustus and continue to Foyers
In the morning we descend the staircase of 5 locks at Fort Augustus and then tie up at the bottom of the locks for lunch. Here you can relax on board, take in some shopping, or explore the local area by bike or on foot. We leave Fort Augustus around lunchtime making the scenic cruise to Foyers pier for the night. From here you can choose to take a quiet-road cycle or relax on board and try and spy the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Foyers is a tranquil spot, home to the lower falls of Foyers, made famous in one of Robert Burns’ poems.
Day 6
Discover the falls at Foyers or take a canoe trip before cycling or cruising Loch Ness
Foyers bay can be an excellent place to participate in canoeing or sailing. For land lovers there are plenty of walks of varying length and difficulty to suit everyone. A walk up to the Falls, on an established path, through the pine forest is a must. You should also keep a lookout for the also elusive Red Squirrel, which can be spied in the forest. The barge will depart around lunch time and cruise down the loch, firstly towards Urquhart Castle on the north shore and then onwards to Dochgarroch Locks where the barge will lie overnight. Cycling along the South shore of Loch Ness is the alternative to cruising on the barge.
Day 7
Cycle or cruise to Muirtown Basin, trip concludes
Morning cruise from Dochgarroch to Muirtown basin near Inverness. You have the choice to either cycle the route or relax on board. At Muirtown we descend a staircase of 4 locks to lie alongside at Muirtown Basin. Trip concludes approx 11am.
Meals: B
Arrive Inverness, walk or cycle to Dochgarroch
Boarding time is 14:00. After settling in on board, a short (1.5mi) walk to Muirtown Sea lock and back is on offer. It takes you to the easterly point on the Caledonian Canal and allows you to stretch your legs at the start of your holiday. Afterwards you can relax on the barge as we cruise the 6 miles of canal to Dochgarroch, or you can cycle the towpath to Dochgarroch.
Cycle, canoe or walk along Loch Ness
Setting off from Dochgarroch we explore the small yet beautiful Loch Dochfour before entering the North East end of Loch Ness. From the start you have the chance to explore the water or land by canoe, sailing boat, bike or on foot. In the afternoon the barge will cruise to Foyers pier taking in views of Urquhart castle. If you prefer, cycling along the south shore of Loch Ness is the alternative to cruising on the barge. Foyers bay can be an excellent place to participate in canoeing or sailing. For land lovers there are plenty of walks of varying length and difficulty to suit everyone.
Continue journey westward to Fort Augustus
Making the most of the tranquil beauty of Foyers we will spend the morning continuing our exploration of the area be it by canoe, sailing boat, bike or foot. A walk up to the Falls, on an established path through the pine forest is a must. Leaving around lunchtime we take a scenic cruise to Fort Augustus. Guests can choose to do a road cycle or relax on board and watch the wildlife on the remote coast line and a last chance to spy the elusive Loch Ness Monster. The barge will tie up at the bottom of Fort Augustus locks overnight
Explore Fort Augustus then walk or cycle to Loch Oich
Ascend Fort Augustus staircase of 5 locks during the morning and then tie up at the top of the locks for lunch. Time to relax on board, do some shopping or explore the local area by bike or foot. Departing after lunch the barge’s journey heads south west through Kytra lock, Cullochy lock and then out onto Loch Oich, where we will spend the night at anchor. The afternoon route also makes a great walk and an equally good cycle. An alternative walking option maybe offered that allows for fine views of Loch Ness.
Journey by bike or on foot to Laggan Locks
The barge will stay at anchor up to lunchtime meaning there will be more time to take in the surroundings and participate in further activities on the water or ashore. In the afternoon we will make our way along the picturesque Laggan Avenue by foot, bike, canoe or barge, another magical part of the journey. The barge will tie up alongside a pontoon overnight at Laggan locks.
Discover Bunarkaig Bay on Loch Lochy and continue to Gairlochy
In the morning we cruise to and anchor at Bunarkaig Bay on Loch Lochy. Here you can relax on board or choose to walk or cycle to the bay. Late morning activities at Bunarkaig may include an opportunity to sail, canoe or explore by foot or bike the Clan Cameron estate. After lunch the barge will weigh anchor and motor the rest of Loch Lochy towards Gairlochy at the south western end of the loch. Again you can choose to walk, cycle or relax on board. The barge will lie alongside a jetty at Gairlochy overnight.
Trip concludes Banavie (Fort William)
The morning cruise is from Gairlochy to Banavie near Fort William. Choose to cycle the route or relax on board. The barge will tie up at a pontoon just before Neptune’s Staircase. Trip concludes approx 11am.
What's included
What's not included
Ros Crana has 6 en-suite cabins with a large (4’) lower berth and a standard (2’6”) berth above. All berths are 6’4” long, have a radiator, heated towel rail, good storage and a large opening window.
There are 6 ensuite cabins with a large (3'6") lower berth and a standard (2'6") berth above. All berths are 6'3" long, have under floor heating, heated towel rail, good storage and a large opening window.
GRADE 1 - Walking, canoeing, cycling and sailing are all on offer with qualified instructors ready to assist. All activities are optional so should you prefer to stay on board you can.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
7Days
Introductory to Moderate
9Days
Introductory